Record number of attractions booked for Thatcham fun day

Zorbing, an inflatable maze and an assault course are just some of the fun games on the cards for this year’s family fun day in Thatcham.

The council-run event will be returning to the Henwick Worthy Sports Field on Sunday (June 25).

Twice as many street food and refreshment outlets are taking to the field offering fish and chips, Caribbean food, Indian and Mexican cuisines and sweet treats.

Music will be filling the air with a ‘Thatcham Introducing’ section featuring West Berkshire’s own teenage rock band Beyond the Sons and West Berks Rock Choir.

The ever-popular dog show, this year sponsored by High Street picture framing retailer ’Picture It’, includes categories such as ‘cutest puppy’ and ‘best recue dog’.

Anyone wishing to enter needs to register at the show arena by midday.

Punch and Judy will be making an appearance alongside a circus skills workshop, a petting farm and street theatre, including stilt walkers and glitter pickers who will be keeping the site tidy in style.

In addition to giant inflatables areas, James Danter Fun Fair will also be on site with a variety of attractions, including a ferris wheel, dodgems, a waltzer and a toy carousel.

Don’t miss the comedy of ‘Falconry Dismay’ at midday and at 3pm, showcasing the talents of three – human – ‘birds of prey’ and their expert handler.

There will be a climbing wall in the sports zone area, where attendees can also try their hand at a penalty shoot speed shot, rugby for tots, hockey and lawn bowls and a rope bridge courtesy of Thatcham Scouts.

If cycling is your bag, then try out the latest electric bikes as well as a tandem bike.

Those who have two left feet can try the dance tasters or watch the performances from various regional dance schools offering Asian, ballet, and street dance among many others.

Mayor of Thatcham Mark Lillycrop said he was looking forward to an exciting day packed with events and entertainment.

He said: “The dog show is always a highlight for me.

“The event just gets busier and better every year and we hear some amazing stories about the dogs.

“I will also be judging the Rotary Club classic car show at 2.30pm, that won’t be easy as there may be as many as 150 classic cars on site.

“One exciting feature this year is a land train to take families from the classic cars, past a number of new attractions such as zorbing, an inflatable maze and an assault course to the regular family attractions.

“And with street theatre, comedy, music and fairground rides, there really is something for everyone.”